Hindutva extremists assault Christian preachers in police presence

Srinagar: In Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district, a group of unidentified men attacked a group of Christian religious preachers with iron rods and sticks, while police officers were present. In the event of clear dereliction of duties by the police officers, eight of them were suspended by the Union territory administration, The Wire reported.

The suspended officers included a sub-inspector, and the police officers stood watching the religious preaching group being assaulted by miscreants. The incident happened in the Juthana area of Kathua, where the religious preachers came in a passenger mini bus, and a video of the incident is available online.

According to The Wire, the Kathua Police have filed an FIR regarding the incident, which added offences under sections of the Arms Act. It is learnt that at least one person has been arrested.

The video, which is viral on social media, shows at least four or five attackers smashing the windshield glass and a side view mirror of the van, in which around ten to 15 Christian preachers were travelling. While some of the attackers could be seen entering the vehicle to attack those inside, police could be seen standing there and doing nothing.

Later, anguished screams were heard from inside the van, including those of women. One of the attackers pounced on a passenger on the front seat and punched and kicked him, while another demanded to see the other men inside.

Kathua senior superintendent of police (SSP) Mohita Sharma told The Wire that the preachers went to the area after being invited by locals. However, rumours emerged that the preachers were attempting to convert the locals to Christianity, which must have triggered the attack.

The officer also informed that the arrested individual is identified as Ravindra Singh Thela. The police are running a manhunt for the remaining culprits, the officer said.